Twisted Mix Tapes--Spiritually Singing

This weeks Twisted Mix Tapes asks us to write about songs that have spiritual meaning for us. There are a lot of pop songs that resonate for me in this way, so I had to cut the list to manageable proportions. For me spiritual songs are those that help me to be at peace with the world and to make sense of what goes on. I have a "calm down" play list on my I Pod and all of these songs are featured there.

Let It Be--The Beatles

Back when I was growing up in the 70's, this was supposed to be a "hidden" drug song, because "Mother Mary" was allegedly code for marijuana.  This theory was evolved by people who never bothered to learn that Paul McCartney's mother's name actually was Mary.  Call her mom, call her the Goddess, call her the Virgin Mary, but this song gives me a feeling of peace and wisdom every time I listen to it. Because sometimes the answer is just to let things be.

Bridge Over Troubled Water Simon and Garfunkel

This was another one of the alleged "drug songs" of my youth, perhaps the most ridiculous misidentification of all. In fact Paul Simon has stated in interviews that he regarded the song as a hymn. Ironically, considering Art Garfunkel's exquisite singing, he thought his partner should sing the song.  This is one of the first songs I remember liking as a kid, and it always gave me deep peace to hear it.  The older I get the more I feel that way.

Celtic Sonant--The Moody Blues

I first heard this song not long after the death of a close friend, and it comforted me a great deal. Some of its imagery is reminiscent of another favorite Moody Blues song, For My Lady, I need to be reminded once in awhile that everything is part of a greater whole, myself included.

Into the West--Annie Lennox and Howard Shore

I know this song came up a couple of weeks ago when we talked about great soundtrack songs, but I had to revisit it.  One of the hardest things any of us have to deal with is being separated from those we love, especially when that parting is unexpected and untimely.  This song captures both the heartache of separation, and the promise of reunion.
 "Don't say, we have come now to the end.
White shores are calling, You and I will meet again."


Cup of Wonder--Jethro Tull

Songs from the Wood is one of my favorite albums ever, and I had a hard time deciding between this, Ring Out Solstice Bells, and the title song.
This song is joyous and full of the promise of  life.

There are a lot of others that I could have picked, both by the artists here, and by others.  But these are some of my most reliable choices when I need some peace of mind.  If you want to hear what others chose for their Mix Tape click here.